Data transfer rate display selection

ABSTRACT

A device for displaying data transfer rates on a display. The device includes a system for displaying the transfer rates in an alphanumeric mode or an alternative graphics mode; and a system for switching between displaying the transfer rates in the alphanumeric mode and the graphics mode.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to communicationdevices capable of data and/or fax communication and, more particularly,to a system for displaying data transfer rates on a display.

2. Brief Description of Prior Developments Traditional modems tend toindicate data transmission rates with blinking lights. Mobilecommunication devices, such as mobile phones, are now capable of actingas modems. Because these mobile communication devices include a moreintrinsic display than those available on a traditional modem, there isan ability to portray more useful connection rate information to theuser. In the past, Nokia Corp. has manufactured and sold mobile phoneswhich indicate data transmission rates using graphical indicators.

There may be a desire by a first type of user to provide thiscommunication rate information in an alphanumeric form. However, asecond type of user might be overwhelmed by the technical nature of theinformation if communicated in an alphanumeric form. For such secondtype of user, a graphical display format, such as in the Nokia Corp.mobile phones, might be preferred. For a third type of user, there mightbe a desire to not display the data transfer rate at all. There is adesire to provide a system which can accommodate at least two andperhaps all three types of these users.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In accordance with one aspect of the present invention, a device fordisplaying data transfer rates on a display is provided. The deviceincludes a system for displaying the transfer rates in an alphanumericmode or an alternative graphics mode; and a system for switching betweendisplaying the transfer rates in the alphanumeric mode and the graphicsmode.

In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, a mobileradio communication device is provided having a display and atransceiver for transmitting and receiving data. The improvementcomprises means for displaying a data transfer rate of data with thetransceiver on the display in an alphanumeric format.

In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, a mobileradio communication device is provided comprising a transceiver, acontroller coupled to the transceiver, and a display. The display iscoupled to the controller. The controller is adapted to display on thedisplay an indication of a data transfer rate of data by thetransceiver. The communication device further comprises a system forinactivating display of the data transfer rate on the display while thetransceiver is transmitting or receiving the data.

In accordance with one method of the present invention, a method ofdisplaying a data transfer rate on a display is provided comprisingsteps of selecting, by a user, a data transfer rate display mode from aplurality of data transfer rate display modes; and displaying the datatransfer rate on the display based upon the selected data transfer ratedisplay mode.

In accordance with another method of the present invention, a method ofchanging displaying of a data transfer rate on a display of a portablecommunication device is provided comprising steps of selecting, by auser, to turn a displaying feature of the data transfer rate ON or OFF;and during data transfer by the portable communication device, acontroller of the portable communication device, connected to thedisplay, preventing the display from displaying the data transfer ratewhen the user has selected to turn the displaying feature OFF.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The foregoing aspects and other features of the present invention areexplained in the following description, taken in connection with theaccompanying drawings, wherein:

FIG. 1 is a diagram of a wireless communications system having aportable communication device incorporating features of the presentinvention shown operably coupled to a base station;

FIG. 2 is a block diagram of the wireless communications system shown inFIG. 1;

FIG. 3A is a diagram of a first type of information which can bedisplayed on the display of the portable communication device shown inFIG. 1;

FIG. 3B is a diagram of a second type of information which can bedisplayed on the display;

FIG. 4 is a diagram of menus which can be displayed on the display ofthe portable communication device shown in FIG. 1 for selecting a datatransfer rate display mode;

FIG. 5 is a diagram of menus which can be displayed on the display ofthe portable communication device shown in FIG. 1 during data transfer;and

FIGS. 6A-6C are diagrams of alternate forms of display screens which canbe displayed on the display of the portable communication device shownin FIG. 1.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Referring to FIG. 1, there is shown a diagram of a portion of a wirelesstelecommunications system 5 having a mobile station or portablecommunication device 10 incorporating features of the present inventionshown operably coupled by a wireless link to a base transceiver station(BTS) 9 of an exemplary network operator. Although the present inventionwill be described with reference to the embodiments shown in thedrawings, it should be understood that the present invention can beembodied in many alternate forms of embodiments. In addition, anysuitable size, shape or type of elements or materials could be used.

Referring also to FIG. 2, the network operator 6 generally comprises amobile switching center (MSC) 7 for connecting to a telecommunicationsnetwork, such as a public switched telephone network or PSTN, at leastone base station controller (BSC) 8, and a plurality of base transceiverstations (BTS) 9 that transmit in a forward or downlink direction bothphysical and logical channels to the mobile station 10 in accordancewith a predetermined air interface standard. A reverse or uplinkcommunication path exists from the mobile station 10 to the networkoperator 6, and conveys mobile station originated access requests andtraffic, such as voice and possible packet data traffic.

The air interface standard may conform to, for example, a Time DivisionMultiple Access (TDMA) air interface, or a Code Division Multiple Access(CDMA) air interface, or a Frequency Division Multiple Access (FDMA) airinterface. In alternate embodiments, features of the present inventioncould be used with any suitable type of air interface standard. In analternate embodiment, features of the present invention could be usedwith a wired communications system, such as a land line telephonesystem.

The network operator 6 can include a Message Service Center (MSCT) 6Athat receives and forwards messages from the mobile station 10, such asShort Message Service (SAS) messages, or any wireless messagingtechnique including Email and supplementary data services. In analternate embodiment, features of the present invention could be usedwith any suitable type of network operator system.

The mobile station 10 typically includes a micro control unit (MCU) 12having an output coupled to an input of a display 14 and an inputcoupled to an output of a keyboard or keypad 16. The mobile station 10may be considered to be a hand-held radio telephone, such as a cellulartelephone or a personal communicator, and may have a microphone and aspeaker for conducting voice communications. The mobile station 10 couldalso be contained within a card or module that is connected during useto another device. For example, the mobile station 10 could be containedwithin a PCMCIA or similar type of card or module that is installedduring use with a portable data processor, such as a laptop or notebookcomputer, or even a computer that is wearable by the user.

The MCU 12 is assumed to include or be coupled to some type of memory13, including a read only memory (ROM) for storing an operating program,as well as a random access memory (RAM) for temporarily storing requiredata, scratchpad data memory, received data packets and data packetsprepared for transmission, etc. A separate removable SIM (not shown) canbe provided as well. The SIM could store, for example, a preferredpublic land mobile network (PLMN) list and other subscriber relatedinformation.

The mobile station 10 also contains a wireless section that includes adigital signal processor (DSP) 18, or equivalent high-speed processor,as well as a wireless radio frequency (RF) transceiver comprising atransmitter 20 and a receiver 22. The transceiver is coupled to anantenna 24 for communication with the network operator 6. In analternate embodiment, features of the present invention could be usedwith any suitable type of wireless communications device or mobilephone. As seen in FIG. 1, the keypad 16 includes an alphanumeric keysection 16 a and a control key section 16 b. The control key section 16b includes two soft keys 24, 25 and an up/down scroll key 26. However,in alternate embodiments, the control key section could be comprised ofany suitable number or type of keys or cursor control device. The twosoft keys 24, 25 are located beneath two control indicator sections 27,28 of the display 14. When one of the soft keys 24, 25 are depressed,the controller 12 can perform the function listed in the controlindicator section 27, 28 located above the depressed soft key.

Referring now also to FIG. 3A, a diagram of a display screen using afirst mode of displaying information on the display 14 of the portablecommunication device 10 is shown. The display screen includes agraphical signal strength indicator 30, a graphical battery strengthindicator 32, the two control indicator sections 27, 28 havingcontrol/menu features listed therein, and a data transfer rateindication 34. The data transfer rate indication 34 is displayed on thedisplay 14 during data transfer between the phone 10 and the basestation 9. The data transfer rate indication 34 is displayed on thedisplay 14 to indicate to the user transmitting and/or receiving ratesbetween the phone 10 and the base station 9.

In the embodiment shown, the data transfer rate indication 34 comprisestwo sections; a transmitting data transfer rate section 36 and areceiving data transfer rate section 38. However, in alternateembodiment, the data transfer rate indication 34 could comprise only atransmitting data transfer rate indication or only a receiving datatransfer rate indication. In such an alternate embodiment, the datatransfer rate indication 34 displayed on the display 14 couldautomatically switch between the transmitting and the receivingindications based upon the status of the phone 10 receiving ortransmitting data.

In the embodiment shown in FIG. 3A, the transmitting data transfer ratesection 36 generally comprises a text descriptor 40 associated with agraphical indicator 42. The text descriptor 40, in the embodiment shown,merely comprises the term “Transmitting:”. However, in alternateembodiments, the text descriptor 40 could comprise any suitable type ofdescriptive text, or could comprise a graphical descriptor, or couldcomprise a combination of text and graphics. For example, in analternate embodiment the text descriptor 40 could comprise the term“Sending:”.

The graphical indicator 42, in the embodiment shown, comprises aplurality of sideward facing arrows or triangles 44. The arrows 44comprise a darkened center or a non-darkened center. The totality of thearrows 44 (six in the embodiment shown) graphically indicate a maximumtransmission rate between the phone 10 and the base station 9. Thenumber of arrows having a darkened center indicate a percentage of themaximum transmission rate actually being used to transmit data from thephone 10 to the base station 9. In the illustration shown in FIG. 3A,three of the six arrows 44 have a darkened center. Thus, in the exampleillustrated, the phone 10 is transmitting at a data transfer rate ofabout fifty percent of its maximum transmission rate. The number ofarrows having a darkened center and a non-darkened center will increaseand decrease as the actual data transfer rate of transmitting data fromthe phone 10 to the base station 9 increases and decreases.

The receiving data transfer rate section 38 generally comprises a textdescriptor 46 associated with a graphical indicator 48. The textdescriptor 46, in the embodiment shown, merely comprises the term“Receiving:”. However, in alternate embodiments, the text descriptor 46could comprise any suitable type of descriptive text, or could comprisea graphical descriptor, or could comprise a combination of text andgraphics.

The graphical indicator 48, in the embodiment shown, comprises aplurality of sideward facing arrows or triangles 50. The arrows 50 pointin an opposite direction relative to the arrows 44. The arrows 50comprise a darkened center or a non-darkened center. The totality of thearrows 50 (six in the embodiment shown) graphically indicate a maximumreceiving rate between the phone 10 and the base station 9. The numberof arrows having a darkened center indicate a percentage of the maximumreceiving rate actually being used to transmit data to the phone 10 fromthe base station 9. In the illustration shown in FIG. 3A, three of thesix arrows 50 have a darkened center. Thus, in the example illustrated,the phone 10 is receiving at a data transfer rate of about fifty percentof its maximum receiving rate. The number of arrows 50 having a darkenedcenter and a non-darkened center will increase and decrease as theactual data transfer rate of receiving data by the phone 10 from thebase station 9 increases and decreases.

The embodiment shown in FIG. 3A is intended to illustrate a graphicsmode of displaying data transfer rates on the display 14. In alternateembodiments, any suitable type of graphics could be used in thegraphical indicators 42, 48. In addition, any suitable graphics could beused to illustrate a change between data transfer maximum rate andactual rate. In addition to the graphics mode of display data transferrates on the display 14, the phone 10 is also adapted to use analphanumeric mode of displaying data transfer rates on the display 14.

Referring also to FIG. 3B, a diagram of a display screen comprising asecond mode of displaying information on the display 14 of the portablecommunication device 10 is shown. The display screen includes thegraphical signal strength indicator 30, the graphical battery strengthindicator 32, the two control indicator sections 27, 28 havingcontrol/menu features listed therein, and the data transfer rateindication 52. The data transfer rate indication 52 is displayed on thedisplay 14 during data transfer between the phone 10 and the basestation 9. The data transfer rate indication 52 is displayed on thedisplay 14 to indicate to the user transmitting and/or receiving ratesbetween the phone 10 and the base station 9.

In the embodiment shown, the data transfer rate indication 52 comprisestwo sections; a transmitting data transfer rate section 54 and areceiving data transfer rate section 56. However, in alternateembodiment, the data transfer rate indication 52 could comprise only atransmitting data transfer rate indication or only a receiving datatransfer rate indication. In such an alternate embodiment, the datatransfer rate indication 52 displayed on the display 14 couldautomatically switch between the transmitting and the receivingindications based upon the status of the phone 10 receiving ortransmitting data.

In the embodiment shown in FIG. 3B, the transmitting data transfer ratesection 54 generally comprises a text descriptor 58 associated with analphanumeric indicator 60. The text descriptor 58, in the embodimentshown, merely comprises the term “Transmitting:”. However, in alternateembodiments, the text descriptor 58 could comprise any suitable type ofdescriptive text, or could comprise a graphical descriptor, or couldcomprise a combination of text and graphics.

The alphanumeric indicator 60 generally comprises a number followed by arate descriptor. In the embodiment shown, the rate descriptor comprisesthe term “kbps” to indicate kilobits per second. Thus, in theillustration shown, the phone 10 is transmitting at 145 kilobits persecond. The number in the alphanumeric indicator 60 will change toindicate the actual or approximate data transfer rate of data beingtransmitted from the phone 10 to the base station 9.

In the embodiment shown in FIG. 3B, the receiving data transfer ratesection 56 generally comprises a text descriptor 62 associated withalphanumeric indicator 64. The text descriptor 62, in the embodimentshown, merely comprises the term “Receiving:”. However, in alternateembodiments, the text descriptor 62 could comprise any suitable type ofdescriptive text, or could comprise a graphical descriptor, or couldcomprise a combination of text and graphics.

The alphanumeric indicator 64 generally comprises a number followed by arate descriptor. In the embodiment shown, the rate descriptor comprisesthe term “kbps” to indicate kilobits per second. Thus, in theillustration shown, the phone 10 is receiving at 28 kilobits per second.The number in the alphanumeric indicator 64 will change to indicate theactual or approximate data transfer rate of data being received by thephone 10 from the base station 9.

The phone 10 could be adapted to display the data transfer rates ineither only the alphanumeric mode (FIG. 3B) or only the graphics mode(FIG. 3A). However, in a preferred embodiment, the phone 10 is adaptedto display the data transfer rates both in the alphanumeric mode oralternatively in the graphics mode. In a preferred embodiment, the phone10 is adapted to allow the user to select the mode of display. However,in an alternate embodiment, the mode of display could be selected by amanufacturer and intended not to be changed by a user. This could allowa manufacturer to configure a same phone for different regions havingdifferent user preferences in those regions.

Referring now also to FIG. 4, a series of menus or screens displayed onthe display 14 for changing the data transfer rate display mode isshown. As shown in FIG. 1, the soft key 25 would initially be depressedto activate the menu function listed in the control indicator section 28of the display 14. When entered into the menu function the user coulddepress the up/down scroll key 26 to scroll to the setting screen 70shown in FIG. 4. The user could then depress the soft key 25 to selectthe settings menu. The user could then depress the up/down scroll key 26to scroll to the call settings screen 72. The user could then depressthe soft key 25 to select the call settings menu. The user could thendepress the up/down scroll key 26 to scroll to the data/fax calls screen74. The user could then depress the soft key 25 to select the data/faxcalls menu. The user could then to depress the up/down scroll key 26 toscroll to the data rate indicators screen 76. The data rate indicatorsscreen 76 preferably as an indicator section 78 which indicates thepresent data rate illustration mode. The user could then depress thesoft key 25 to show the data rate indicators screen 80. The user couldthen use the up/down scroll key 26 to move the highlighter 82 to adesired one of the data rate illustration modes on the menu. By pressingthe soft key 25 the user would select the mode highlighted by thehighlighter 82.

The method and screens illustrated in FIG. 4 is only one type of methodthat could be employed to change the data transfer rate illustrationmode. In an alternate embodiment, any suitable type of menus or screensfor the user to select or changed the data transfer rate illustrationmode could be provided.

In the embodiment shown in FIG. 4, the data rate indicators screen 80includes a third data transfer rate illustration mode; an OFF or NONEmode. This type of mode prevents the data transfer rate from beingdisplayed. The user can select the OFF mode. If the OFF mode isselected, then the data transfer rate indications 34 and/or 52 will notbe displayed on the display 14 during data transfer. Thus, the user canselect to turn the displaying feature of the data transfer rate ON orOFF.

The method and screens illustrated in FIG. 4 are generally intended tobe used while the phone 10 is not in active communication with the basestation 9. Referring now also to FIG. 5, a series of menus displayed onthe display 14 for changing the data transfer rate display mode whilethe phone 10 is in active communication with the base station 9 isshown. When the phone 10 is in active communication with the basestation 9, the control indicator section 28 of the display 14 does notlist the menu function, but instead lists an “options” function. If theuser depresses the soft the 25 the Options screen 84 will appear on thedisplay 14. With the Options screen 84 displayed on the display 14, theuser can depress the up/down scroll key 26 to move the highlighter 82onto the data rate indicators selection. The user can then depress thesoft key 25 to show the data rate indicators screen 80. The user canthen depress the up/down scroll key 26 to move the highlighter 82 to thedesired display mode. The user can then depress the soft key 25 toselect the highlighted display mode and thereby return to the mainscreen with the selected data transfer rate display mode now being usedto display the data transfer rate information on the display 14.

The method and screens illustrated in FIG. 5 is only one type of methodthat could be employed to change the data transfer rate illustrationmode while the phone 10 is in active communication with the base station9. In an alternate embodiment, any suitable type of menus or screens forthe user to select or changed the data transfer rate illustration modewhile the phone 10 is in active communication with the base station 9could be provided. For example, in one type of alternate embodiment,during active communication with the base station the display 14 couldcomprise the “Menu” descriptor for the control indicator section 27 asshown in FIG. 1 and, the menus and screens illustrated in FIG. 4 couldbe used. Thus, in this alternate embodiment, the method illustrated inFIG. 5 might not be used and the method illustrated in FIG. 4 might beused for both situations; the first situation of when the phone is inactive communication with the base station and, the second situation ofwhen the phone is not in active communication with the base station. Inalternate embodiments, the phone 10 could be adapted to allow the changein the data transfer rate illustration mode to be made only while thephone is in active communication with the base station, or only whilethe phone is not in active communication with the base station.

Referring now also to FIGS. 6A, 6B and 6C, an alternate. embodiment ofthe graphical display mode is shown. In this alternate embodiment, thegraphical indicator 90 comprises a plurality of slanted blocks 92. Theblocks 92 comprise a darkened center or a non-darkened center. Thetotality of the blocks (six in the embodiment shown) graphicallyindicate a maximum transmission rate between the phone 10 and the basestation 9. The number of blocks having a darkened center indicate apercentage of the maximum transmission rate actually being used totransmit data from the phone 10 to the base station 9. In theillustration shown in FIG. 6A, three of the six blocks 92 have adarkened center. Thus, in the example illustrated, the phone 10 istransmitting at a data transfer rate of about fifty percent of itsmaximum transmission rate. The number of blocks having a darkened centerand a non-darkened center will increase and decrease as the actual datatransfer rate of transmitting data from the phone 10 to the base station9 increases and decreases.

The graphical indicator 94 comprises a plurality of slanted blocks 96.However, the slanted blocks 96 are slanted in an opposite directionrelative to the slanted blocks 92. The blocks 96 comprise a darkenedcenter or a non-darkened center. The darkened and non-darkened centersof the blocks 96 function the same way as the blocks 92 to indicate theactual reception rate versus maximum reception rate of data with thephone. Use of slanted blocks 92, 96 can allow for a greater plurality ofindicators in each line. Although only six blocks are shown in eachline, if the width of each line is diminished, more than six blocks canbe provided.

FIG. 6A generally illustrates data being transmitted and received by thephone 10 at the same time. FIG. 6B generally illustrates transmitting ofdata by the phone 10 without data being received by the phone at thesame time. FIGS. 6C generally illustrates receiving of data by the phonewithout data being transmitted by the phone at the same time. In theembodiment shown, the blocks 92 darken from left to right and the blocks96 darken from right to left. However, they could darken in the samedirection.

The present invention provides a mechanism whereby the user may selectthe type of data transmission rate display most appropriate for them.This mechanism also allows the user to shut OFF all data transmissionrate displays, in view the standard in-call user interface using activedata (or fax) calls. In the alphanumeric display mode, numerical datarates can indicate to the users their current data rate in exactnumbers. However, for some less technical users, this information may beoverwhelming. Graphical data indicators, on the other hand, are lessintimidating for the user, but do not give exact information about thecurrent data rate. Instead, they only provide information about wherethe current rate falls in relation to the peak rate. The presentinvention allows the user to choose the display mode based upon theirown level of technical information desired. This provides an advantageof greater flexibility and personalization of the telephone's operationfor the specific user.

It should be understood that the foregoing description is onlyillustrative of the invention. Various alternatives and modificationscan be devised by those skilled in the art without departing from theinvention. Accordingly, the present invention is intended to embrace allsuch alternatives, modifications and variances which fall within thescope of the appended claims.

1-21. (canceled)
 22. A portable electronic device adapted to communicateby a wireless connection, the device comprising: a display; and a userinterface adapted to allow a user to select a data transfer rate displaymode, between an alphanumeric mode or an alternative graphics mode, fordisplaying a data transfer rate on the display.
 23. A portableelectronic device as in claim 22 wherein the user interface comprises asoft key.
 24. A portable electronic device as in claim 22 wherein theuser interface comprises a scroll key.
 25. A portable electronic deviceas in claim 22 wherein the user interface comprises a menu screendisplayed on the display to allow a user to select between thealphanumeric mode and the alternative graphics mode.
 26. A portableelectronic device as in claim 22 wherein the user interface comprises amenu screen displayed on the display to allow a user to select an OFFsetting for not displaying the data transfer rate on the display.
 27. Aportable electronic device as in claim 22 wherein the device comprises ahand-held mobile telephone.
 28. A portable electronic device as in claim22 wherein the device comprises a receiver and the data transfer rate isthe rate of information received by the receiver.
 29. A portableelectronic device as in claim 22 wherein the device comprises atransmitter and the data transfer rate is the rate of informationtransmitted by the transmitter.
 30. A program storage device readable bya machine, tangibly embodying a program of instructions executable bythe machine for performing operations to display a data transfer rate ona display, the operations comprising: determining a data transfer ratedisplay mode comprising determining a data transfer rate display modeselected by a user from a plurality of data transfer rate display modes;and displaying the data transfer rate on the display based upon thedetermined data transfer rate display mode.
 31. A portable electronicdevice comprising: a display; a communications section comprising areceiver and/or a transmitter; and a controller coupled to the displayand the communications section, wherein the controller comprises asystem for displaying a data transfer rate of the communications sectionon the display comprising: a system for displaying the transfer rate inan alphanumeric mode or an alternative graphics mode; and a system forswitching between displaying the transfer rate in the alphanumeric modeand the graphics mode.
 32. A portable electronic device as in claim 31wherein the device comprises a mobile telephone.
 33. A portableelectronics device as in claim 31 wherein the device comprises ahand-held, mobile electronic device.